Mysteriously monikered Goatdog, author of the engaging Goatdog.com and Goatdog Blog, has announced a 1927 Blog-A-Thon in March. Why write about this particularly wild Jazz-Age year in film history? Well, there's The Jazz Singer, Vitaphone, Movietone and panchromatic film (if you're into the technical stuff), the first academy awards (held the following year to award the films of '27-28), the advent of Hitchcock, landmark stuff by Murnau and Lang, the one-and-only movie star who had "it" before that nominative pronoun was recycled by ebay: Ms. *wolf-whistle* Clara Bow and much more.
Still stumped over what to write about? Here's a Film of the Year exclusive hint: dig up a copy of Film History volume 17, Number 2/3 (2005). The entire issue is dedicated to the vagaries of cinema in this most fascinating year. Mike/Goatdog is even giving us the luxury of posting and commenting over a whole weekend so there's no excuse not to join in the fun. All the details can be found over at Goatdog.com.
Wow! Thanks, Thom. This is a great research guide. (Why didn't I put up a post like this?)
Posted by: goatdog | 21 January 2007 at 03:46 PM
No thanks are necessary, M. You're hosting the 'Thon; I'm just spreading the word. Looking forward to it, fellow cinephile.
Posted by: Thom | 21 January 2007 at 04:30 PM
I'll add Facets here in Chicago to this fine list of resources. Their catalog provides over 70 titles from 1927, and many of them are available to rent via their Netflix-like rental service.
Posted by: goatdog | 22 January 2007 at 07:08 PM
Oh I always blush when you link to me! I'm so all over this! i just checked and it turns out I've written 12 reviews for films made in 1927 film. Thom how in heck are you gonna chose just one?! I have the suspicion you'll be doing the technical side... that way you can enjoy several... hmmm... Along your studies of this year's films, might I suggest a viewing of the 'out there, wacky, twisted' Lon Chaney's The Unknown? it might not be the bestr the year has to offer but it's sure the most outrageous.
Posted by: Squish | 24 January 2007 at 07:08 AM
Not to be a pest but a little guide I got many moons ago (1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die) includes the following 1927 films:
Metropolis (1927)
Sunrise (1927)
The General (1927)
The Unknown (1927)
October (1927)
The Jazz Singer (1927)
Napoleon (1927)
The Kid Brother (1927)
Posted by: Squish | 24 January 2007 at 07:19 AM
Grrreat suggestions, Squish. The Unknown...maybe...Thanks for posting that big list too. Choosing only one will be the problem here indeed. I"ve been planning to post about Napoleon for 1927 but now maybe I'll sneak in a double-post or something like that.
btw, did you notice that you posted a comment at the exact same time as Goatdog's comment above yours from two days ago? Cue cheesy Universal horror film music...oooOOOooh...
Posted by: Thom | 24 January 2007 at 08:36 AM
I will try my damnest to participate, this sounds terrific.
Posted by: Emma | 02 February 2007 at 05:36 AM
I'm looking forward to your damndest take on the subject, Emma. See you there. ;)
Posted by: Thom | 02 February 2007 at 01:09 PM